What are the entry requirements for teaching?

You need matric with a degree (bachelor's) pass and a good English mark, plus the APS the university asks for. For high school teaching, you also need to be strong in the subjects you want to teach.

What subjects do I need to become a teacher?

You need English and a degree pass. For high school (FET) teaching, you need the subjects you want to teach, like Maths, Science, or a language. For Foundation Phase, languages matter most.

Can I study teaching without maths?

Yes, for many phases. Foundation and Intermediate Phase usually take Maths Literacy. But to teach high school Maths, you need pure Mathematics. Always check the university.

What APS do I need for teaching?

It changes from one university to the next, often around the mid-20s. Check each university, or work out your APS.

What are the teaching phases?

Foundation Phase is Grade R to 3. Intermediate Phase is Grade 4 to 6. Senior Phase is Grade 7 to 9, and FET is Grade 10 to 12, where you teach special subjects. You choose one phase in your BEd.

Do I need a degree to do a PGCE?

Yes. The PGCE is a one-year course you do after a first degree that has school subjects in it, like a BSc or BA.

Teaching requirements: subjects, APS and how to qualify

What you need in matric

You must have

English
A degree (bachelor's) pass in matric

Also good to have

The subjects you want to teach (for high school)
Mathematics
A second language

Ways to become a teacher

The best way is first. If your marks are not enough for one way, try the next one down.

DegreeNQF 74 years480 creditsBest way

Bachelor of Education (BEd)

To get in: About 26 APS or more. English, A degree pass in matric. For high school, you also need to be strong in the subjects you want to teach. The marks change from one university to the next.

Many universities offer the BEd. You choose a phase: Foundation, Intermediate, Senior, or high school subjects. You register with SACE and teach at a school.

You do teaching practice in real schools during the degree. You register with SACE when you finish.

PGCENQF 71 year120 credits

PGCE (Postgraduate Certificate in Education)

To get in: A first degree with school subjects in it, like a BSc or BA. This is not a marks route. You do it after you already have a degree.

Universities offer the PGCE. It turns a degree you already have into a teaching qualification. You register with SACE and teach, often in high school.

DiplomaNQF 63 years360 creditsSAQA 117406

Diploma in Grade R Teaching

To get in: About 18 APS or more. English, A matric certificate. You need lower marks than the BEd, about 18 points.

Some universities and colleges offer this, often by distance. It lets you teach Grade R. You register with SACE and teach Grade R.

It can lead to the BEd in Foundation Phase.

Higher certificateNQF 51 year120 credits

Higher Certificate in Early Childhood Care and Education

To get in: English, A matric certificate, or NC(V) Level 4. This is an entry-level course, and the marks you need are low.

TVET colleges and distance providers offer this. It trains you to teach young children (early childhood, ECD). You work as an early childhood (ECD) educator with young children.

Where to study it: TVET colleges (early childhood or Educare courses), Distance and private providers

It can lead to the BEd in Foundation Phase.

Marks too low for the BEd? Start here. You work with young children, learn, and can move up to the BEd in Foundation Phase.

If you don’t get in yet

Are your marks too low for the BEd degree? You still have ways in.

Start with early childhood (ECD)

The Higher Certificate in Early Childhood Care and Education needs low marks and is only one year. It is offered at TVET colleges and by distance. You teach young children, and it can lead to a BEd in Foundation Phase.